Veterans Day paradegoers show support, gratitude

World War II veteran Melvin Redburn staked out a seat in front of the Sedgwick County Courthouse on Saturday and waited for the Veterans Day parade to begin.

During field ceremonies in Korea, Marine Private First Class John E. Hunter, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank M. Hunter, Wichita, displays the Purple Heart Medal awarded him for wounds received in action. Mr. Hunter is also the owner of Hunter and Son Construction in Wichita.

Margaret Hogan served in the Coast Guard Spars during WWII while waiting for her fighter pilot fiance (Major Michael C. McCarthy ) to return from the war.
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Three generations of our family, WWI US Army Harry Schwemmer, my grandpa; MST Sergent Clearence Gibb Schwemmer US Air Force, Korean War, my father; SPC US Army Tyler Bland Iraq, my son. I am very proud and grateful they choose to serve and protect our country in combat, and I'd like recognize and thank them for their sacrifice. Location: KansasDate: WWI, Korean War, Iraq warClick to upload a photo of your veteran or active duty serviceman or woman
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This is a picture of my son, Sgt. Kyle Lloyd, and his wife Ashley celebrating the Marine birthday at the Marine Ball in Oklahoma City, Okla.Location: Oklahoma City, Okla.Date: 11/03/2010Click to upload a photo of your veteran or active duty serviceman or woman
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Petty Officer Ron Trevino (USN), prepares to fly out to the outskirts of Baghdad to cover a news mission with American Forces Network. Army Blackhawks in the background flew journalist to photo sites.Location: Green Zone-Baghdad, IraqDate: Aug. 29, 2007

Lance Corporal Ron Trevino attached to 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines on a training mission in South Korea. After a five-day mission in the field, helicopters from the (LPH) USS New Orleans are inbound to fly back to ship at sea.Location: Pohang, South KoreaDate: May 1976Click to upload a photo of your veteran or active duty serviceman or woman
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SPC Zachary VanNess leaving the U.S. on the way to to Kunduz, Afghanistan. Location: White Sands N.Mex.Date: May, 2010Click to upload a photo of your veteran or active duty serviceman or woman
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Class A dress whites, on duty as shore patrol for a Destroyer Escort that was in port.Location: San Juan, PRDate: 1955Click to upload a photo of your veteran or active duty serviceman or woman
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Corp Merton Shuyler, US Army. Merton was my father-in-law. He was with the initial wave of members of the 45th Infantry Division that liberated the concentration camp at Dachau on April 29, 1945. It was a scene he would never be able to forget. Location: Germany Date: March 1945Click to upload a photo of your veteran or active duty serviceman or woman
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Corry Keller grew up in Wichita and graduated from Wichita North High School in 1998. Enlisted in the Navy and went to U.S. Navy basic training in August of 2000. Worked as a Navy recruiter in Wichita, 2006-09. He joined the elite Blue Angels flight demonstration team in 2009 and is now a Crew Chief and an Aviation Mechanic. Crew chiefs are in charge of inspecting the aircraft (F/A 18 "Hornet", before and after each flight to make sure it's safe for the pilots to fly and start the jet up before the first flight of the day to check for any problems. AM1 Keller currently resides in Pensacola, FL with his wife and two boys, 6 & 12. (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist, 2nd Class Ron Trevino, USN).Location: NAS Jacksonville, FLDate: Sept. 23, 2010Click to upload a photo of your veteran or active duty serviceman or woman
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Petty Officer Ron Trevino covering a story in the Abu Ghraib district in Baghdad about a logistic warehouse for the U.S. Government for American Forces Network.Location: Abu Ghraib District of BaghdadDate: Aug. 12, 2007Click to upload a photo of your veteran or active duty serviceman or woman
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Al Erickson of Wichita.Click to upload a photo of your veteran or active duty serviceman or woman
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Our Dad, Al Erickson, at 90 years young, can still proudly wear his Navy Uniform!Location: WichitaDate: May 2010Click to upload a photo of your veteran or active duty serviceman or woman
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On the left is my Dad, Dale Albert Donecker, and on the right is Dad's younger brother Lewis Harold (Hap) Donecker. Both home on leave, Dale returning from Italy and Hap from Alaska. I had Dad and five uncles serve in WWII, from the Pacific to Europe. All returned safely. Location: Utica, KansasDate: Late 1945 Click to upload a photo of your veteran or active duty serviceman or woman
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My grandfather, Alfred Meditz, a proud member of the United States Navy serving on the U.S.S South Dakota during WWII. He passed away Oct. 30, 2009, and is missed every day. In this photograph, he was 18 years old. -Katie Grover Wichita, KSLocation: U.S. Naval Training Station, Farragut, IdahoDate: Sept. 15, 1943Click to upload a photo of your veteran or active duty serviceman or woman
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This picture with its caption hangs in all 44 Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburger restaurants. I was the photographer. To me, Dad's service was symbolic of the "Ask what you can do for your country" attitude of the Greatest Generation. Growing up, we learned a great reverence of country and inherited an attitude of gratitude to all who serve. Dad still flies the flag daily in his front yard in Wichita.Location: Leyte, PhilippinesDate: October 20, 2004Click to upload a photo of your veteran or active duty serviceman or woman
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WWII - United States NavyLocation: UnknownDate: 1944Click to upload a photo of your veteran or active duty serviceman or woman
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This is a picture of my grandfather Army S/Sgt. William Henry Jacobs of the 33rd Division being awarded the Silver Star in Northern Luzon by General Clarkson. My grandfather's service means the world to me. Every time I read the articles and look at his pictures, I get very emotional. Unfortunately, my grandfather never spoke a word of his service. He kept his uniform, scrapbook, medals and a few newspaper clippings. (Luckily, I have most of this.) He passed away when I was 10, so I was never able to ask him about his service. My grandfather was a hero! Location: LuzonDate: 1945Click to upload a photo of your veteran or active duty serviceman or woman
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This picture was taken by a local on one of our last missions in Iraq in 2004. In the picture is the Platoon leadership (Captain Scott Leonard and Sgt First Class Benjamin Livingston) and some of the guys. (I am the one squinting int he front, center, next to our PLT lead mechanic, SGT Jay Thorne.)Location: Ziggurat of Ur, Nasiriyah, IraqDate: March 2004Click to upload a photo of your veteran or active duty serviceman or woman
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My grandfather, Robert Balman, a Kansas native who has lived in west Wichita for the last 60 years. He served medic in the US Navy from 1942-1946 and is a proud World War II veteran. Location: UnknownDate: 1942Click to upload a photo of your veteran or active duty serviceman or woman
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My son, Derek Neria (middle of photo) and two members of his unit pose by a mural of Saddam Hussein outside one of the Hussein palaces in Baghdad. Derek has served nine years in the Navy.Location: Baghdad, IraqDate: June 2009Click to upload a photo of your veteran or active duty serviceman or woman
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Son, John Derek Erickson, Veteran, proudly served in Bosnia and Iraq. Location: LouisianaDate: 1993Click to upload a photo of your veteran or active duty serviceman or woman.
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After my daughter's swearing in, and she left for basic training that day. Location: Kansas City, Mo.Date: October 2010Click to upload a photo of your veteran or active duty serviceman or woman.
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I love this picture of my mom and dad (Bonnie and Loyd Hittle) with two other people who became their life-long friends (Harld and Marcella Nord).Location: unknownDate: circa 1941Click to upload a photo of your veteran or active duty serviceman or woman.
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This picture is of SPC Heather Cochran and was taken during pre-deployment training, less than a week from going to Iraq.Location: Ft. McCoy, WIDate: June 2007Click to upload a photo of your veteran or active duty serviceman or woman.
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The three Stathis brothers who served during World War II, from left to right, Navy, National Guard and Marines.Location: The AlleyDate: 2008Click to upload a photo of your veteran or active duty serviceman or woman.
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Alfred "Tubby" Blanchat received two Purple Hearts in WWII. Just passed away 9/18/10.Location: FranceDate: 1944Click to upload a photo of your veteran or active duty serviceman or woman.
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This is a picture of my son, Army Spec. Ronnie Backhaus, taking a break from patrol, talking with a little Iraqi girl. I am so proud of my son and his service to our country. We are a family of military veterans (husband - Army, me - Navy, oldest son - Navy, daughter - currently in Air Force, and youngest son - Army). Kim Backhaus Location: Ramaldi IraqDate: May 1, 2005Click to upload a photo of your veteran or active duty serviceman or woman.
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This is a picture of my father, Paul Carrick, who was a First Lieutenant at the time. Paul served in the Air Force for 20 years and retired as a Lt. Col. He was a fighter pilot and served in Korea and Vietnam. Our family lived many places overseas and within the U.S. I am proud of my father's courage and dedication to his country. strong>Location: Kimpo, KoreaDate: 1954Click to upload a photo of your veteran or active duty serviceman or woman.
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Formal military photo of Sgt. Tracy Brooks, US Army.Location: WichitaDate: 2010Click to upload a photo of your veteran or active duty serviceman or woman.
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This is my wonderful step-father Harry Thomas, who is a Sea-B in the Navy for 21 years. He retired in 1995. He is a wonderful man and helps whenever he can. He stepped up to be a father to six girls when he married my mom. He didn't have to be there for us, but he want to be. Love you, Harry Thomas. Love, Dorah and familyLocation: ParkDate: 4/10/2010Click to upload a photo of your veteran or active duty serviceman or woman.
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Aircraft maintenance students in front of an F-15 Eagle. Instructor at for right is Tsgt Mike Henry, now retired and living in Wichita.Location: Bitburg AB GermanyDate: 1987Click to upload a photo of your veteran or active duty serviceman or woman.
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Harvey Farha EN3 Serving on Swift Boat From 1967 to 1968. Swift Boats were part of the brown water navy. They were used for coastal patrol and river patrol. The boats had a six-man crew, one officer and five enlisted. Harvey was the engineman, responsible for keeping two V12 diesel engines running and fueled and the aft gunner. The swift boats job was to search small- and medium-size craft for weapons, contraband and illegals.Location: VietnamDate: April 1968Click to upload a photo of your veteran or active duty serviceman or woman.
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This is a picture of our heavy equipment shop before heading out on a job. Henri Gipson, Craig Walker, Trafton Wieland and Pete Sevart. I had to leave the desert but my "dirt boyz" continued with the mission. -- Msgt AgnewLocation: Kirkuk, IraqDate: 09/24/2010Click to upload a photo of your veteran or active duty serviceman or woman.
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My father-in-law, Richard Bishop, US Army Retired, giving grandson, Scott Bishop, U.S. Navy, his first salute upon graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy. Location: US Naval Academy, Annapolis, MarylandDate: May 2008Click to upload a photo of your veteran or active duty serviceman or woman.
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A6A Bombers on the flight deck of the U.S.S. Midway with Petty Officer Third Class, M.V. Bass.Location: U.S.S. MidwayDate: Unknown, approximately toward the end of the Vietnam WarClick to upload a photo of your veteran or active duty serviceman or woman
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Bill Compton seated in his P-47 Thunderbolt. I met my husband when he came back from serving in the Pacific as a pilot during WWII.Location: PhillipinesDate: 1944Click to upload a photo of your veteran or active duty serviceman or woman
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Shortly after his retirement ceremony at Devil Dog Fountain, Master Sergeant Robert Hartman discusses uniform insignia with a young French soldier. My husband served for 23 years in more than 30 countries, including Iraq. It is no exaggeration to say his service means the world to me and our children. Our pride in him will never wane.Location: Belleau Wood, FranceDate: May 2007Click to upload a photo of your veteran or active duty serviceman or woman
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This is a picture of my dad, John Hemphill, and myself aboard the USS John F Kennedy CVA-67. We were one of few father-sons to be assigned to the first crew (called Plankowners) of the carrier USS John F Kennedy. He served in the Army Air Corp during WWI and the Navy during the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam conflict. We were stationed together for two years. He dedicated his life to serving his country. With him being a career Navy man, it was probably the most time I was ever able to spend with him. Sadly, he passed away only seven years after retiring from the Navy. Location: USS John F Kennedy CVA-67Date: Fall of 1968Click to upload a photo of your veteran or active duty serviceman or woman
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This is our son, Lt. Col. Norman Prue, who is following in his father's and grandfather's footsteps by serving in the military. We are very proud of him and his accomplishments while serving in the Air Force. Location: Scott AFB, IllinoisDate: Nov. 8, 2010Click to upload a photo of your veteran or active duty serviceman or woman
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My Dad Melvin C. Seglem served in WWII from 1941-1945. He was on the Amphihous Force in the United States Navy. He was stationed in the South Pacific, North Pacific, Atlantic and Japan. He talks about all his memories of the war and is very proud to be an American War Veteran. I am very proud of my father.Location: Corpus Christi, TexasDate: 1941Click to upload a photo of your veteran or active duty serviceman or woman
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While serving in the Army, Norbert and Erna Stegman were married in Regensburg, Germany. Location: Regensburg, GermanyDate: 1952Click to upload a photo of your veteran or active duty serviceman or woman
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This is my dad, E.E. "Bud" Weatherson, on the day he received his commission as 2nd Lieutenant in the Army. Now 89, his 4 years of service in the Transportation Corps during WWII remains one of his proudest accomplishments.Location: New Orleans, LADate: April 4, 1945Click to upload a photo of your veteran or active duty serviceman or woman
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Dale Gregory, D-Day Paratrooper, returns to Omaha Beach. He was wounded and captured in the early hours of D-Day at Carenton. Days later, he and 20 other wounded prisoners escaped to a slate mine in Camount-l'Evente. The Big Red One liberated them days later and took them back to England through Omaha Beach. Just above Omaha Beach is the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, where Dale visited the graves of three of his buddies who were killed just before he was wounded. Location: Omaha BeachDate: August 2010Click to upload a photo of your veteran or active duty serviceman or woman
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This picture was taken of my son, Sgt. Kyle Lloyd, by a fellow Marine while they were in the field training. Sgt Kyle Lloyd is currently on his 2nd enlistment and serving as a Marine recruiter in Bartlesville, Okla. Location: Twentynine Palms, CaDate: Summer 2007Click to upload a photo of your veteran or active duty serviceman or woman
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Kenneth Harris from Nebraska. He lives in Wichita and is married to Virginia Harris. Served in the Navy 1943-46.Location: Don't knowDate: 1943Click to upload a photo of your veteran or active duty serviceman or woman
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My father, Captain James V. Elliott. Retired as Lt. Colonel James V. Elliott. Passed away 11/12/2003. We are all very proud of the service our father performed for our country. His dedication and patriotism will be forever remembered in our country and in our hearts. Theresa Elliott Rich and familyLocation: US Air CorpsDate: 1942-1943Click to upload a photo of your veteran or active duty serviceman or woman
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This is Tom Valadez of Kingman. Tom was in the Navy as a Seabee. Tom has been married to Gloria for 52 years and has seven children who are very proud of him. His grandchildren are proud as well.Location: When he was in the serviceDate: Not sureClick to upload a photo of your veteran or active duty serviceman or woman
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William (Bill) H. Beckham served in the United States Air Force from Dec. 18, 1959 to Sept. 30, 1980. He was so proud to have served his country and until the day of his passing (Sept. 21, 2010) our veterans were his No. 1 priority. Location: Cam Rahn Bay Viet NamDate: 1969Click to upload a photo of your veteran or active duty serviceman or woman
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My son Jayme and my grandson, taken on the day he left for his second deployment to the Middle East.Location: Fort Hood, TXDate: 3/4/2008Click to upload a photo of your veteran or active duty serviceman or woman
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My son Tyler who is currently at Camp Taji in Iraq.Location: Camp TajiDate: 2010Click to upload a photo of your veteran or active duty serviceman or woman
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My dad, Micheal R. Miller, Navy Petty Officer, 3rd Class, served aboard the USS Paul Revere during the Vietnam War, 1968-1972. He also served in the Air National Guard. His family is very proud of his service to our country.Location: USS Paul RevereDate: 6/11/1970Click to upload a photo of your veteran or active duty serviceman or woman
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December 7th 1941, a 17 year old young man from Oklahoma by the name of Coy Miller graduated from Naval boot camp in San Diego along with hundreds of Seamen, and was immediatly put on a ship bound for Pearl Harbor. He arrived two weeks later to find fires still burning in the Harbor. He was assigned to the U.S.S. Pellas AS-14, where he served until his dischage in 1945. He was only one of the 16 million that sacrificed so that future generations enjoy their freedom.Location: unknownDate: 1945
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My grandfather, Norman Dorsch, from Bird City, Kan., was a WWII veteran. This photo was taken on a summer day and small family reunion, honoring my grandmother's (his wife) brother Francis Harrison who was also a WWII veteran.Location: St. Francis, Kan.Date: July 2010Click to upload a photo of your veteran or active duty serviceman or woman
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World War II veteran Melvin Redburn staked out a seat in front of the Sedgwick County Courthouse on Saturday and waited for the Veterans Day parade to begin.

Redburn, 87, was dressed in the uniform he wore in the 1940s as a member of the Army Signal Corps in the 1940s.

"Of course I can't button the jacket anymore," he said.

He was one of several hundred people who gathered along Main Street early for the Wichita Veterans Day Parade.

The parade kicked off at 11 a.m. with a flyover by two F-16s. Hundreds of soldiers, floats and flag-bearing motorcycles paraded south on Main from Murdock as they made their way to the final staging area at Century II.

Redburn said he served in the Army Signal Corps in the days when radar, still in its infancy, was anything but reliable. He spent most of his time on the tops of hills in Burma, using a radio to spread the word of approaching Japanese airplanes.

He said the parade gives him a chance to see veterans, uniforms and military equipment from different eras.

"I like seeing the veterans," he said. "I'm not going to ride in a trailer, but I am going to sit here and watch."

Across the street, Vietnam veteran Tony White was settled in a lawn chair with his wife, Bridget, and their 2-year-old granddaughter, Grace Hare.

White did two tours of duty in Vietnam in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

"Came back both times," he joked.

He said he's a regular at Veterans Day parades.

"I do it to support the troops," he said. "I'll be coming to these when I'm in a wheelchair."

Although there were plenty of veterans in the crowd, there were also people like Hadassah Prosser. She was never in the military, she said, but her natural father was an Air Force sergeant, and her adoptive father was an Army medic.

"I like coming out to show support for our troops," she said. "I highly respect them. I love this parade."

Scott Schaffer, who was attending the parade with his 7-year-old daughter, Hannah, said he, too, came to honor the veterans.

"To thank them for making a difference, for giving us our freedom," he said.

Many of those in the parade probably noticed a simple sign carried by Janice Jones. It said, "Thank you veterans."

Jones said her father and three brothers served in the military.

"They do so much for us," she said. "This is just a tiny little way of saying thanks."